Read Susan Amarillas for Free Online Page B

she had to get her mind back on the people who mattered.
    Twenty minutes later, the doctor was ready to leave. He had prescribed bed rest, and laudanum for pain—which Ruth, who had awakened shortly after his arrival, adamantly refused to take.
    “All right,” she finally said, in a tone that reminded Rebecca of Andrew when he had to take a bath. It was good to see her awake and snapping at the doctor. It was good to have her back.
    Feeling much relieved, she walked the doctor to the door.
    “Now try to keep her in bed,” he admonished quietly.
    “I heard that,” Ruth called, and they both smiled. “She’s gonna be all right, Mrs. Tinsdale,” the doctor said, with a reassuring grin and a pat on the shoulder. “She’s gonna be fine.”
    “Thank you, Doctor.” Rebecca grinned. “Do you mind letting yourself out?”
    “Not at all. Not at all.”
    Still smiling, Rebecca turned to find Ruth sitting—not lying—in the bed. “Just what do you think you’re doing?” She crossed the room, pausing long enough to get Ruth’s nightdress from the closet.
    “I’m getting up, of course.”
    “You’ll do no such thing,” Rebecca countered, with an emphatic shake of her index finger. “We’re going to finish getting you undressed and then get you back into bed.”
    Ruth screwed up her face in protest, but she did put on the flannel nightdress. “What about finding Andrew?” She fumbled with the bone buttons, and Rebecca helped her.
    “I’ve got help.” She pulled back the covers and coaxed Ruth to lie down.
    “What help? You mean Brody? Bah!” She fussed with her pillows until she was propped up.
    “No, not Brody.” Rebecca smoothed the covers. “Someone—”
    “Can I come in?” a decidedly male voice said from behind her. She didn’t have to turn to know Luke was there, in the doorway. She sucked in a breath and mustered her best formal pose. She needed all her composure when it came to Luke.
    “Come in, Marshal Scanlin.”
    Rebecca was sitting in the Windsor chair and holding Ruth’s hand. She was still wearing her navy dress, and Luke could see that she was drier now, though he figured that she was soaked to the skin underneath.
    She should have changed, but she was stubborn to the end.
    “Why, thank you, Becky.” He used her familiar name, disregarding her formality. He saw the irritation flash in her eyes, and he had to fight the smile that tugged at his lips.
    He stopped at the foot of the bed. “Ma’am,” he said politely. “I’m glad to see you are feeling better. I saw the doc downstairs, and he said you were doing better, so I thought it would be okay for me to stop by.”
    For a long moment, Ruth didn’t speak, didn’t even move. She just stared at Luke. Feeling uncomfortable, he shifted his stance and raked one hand through his hair. “Ma’am, is something wrong?”
    Ruth blinked, then blinked again. “No...Marshal, is it?”
    “Yes, ma’am. Luke Scanlin. I’m the marshal for this region.” He gave her his best smile.
    “Have we met before, Marshal?” She kept on studying him. “You look like someone...” She shook her head, and Rebecca stilled.
    Luke arched one brow in question. “Who?” He shoved one hand through his hair again.
    Ruth’s face drew up in a puzzled expression. “I...” Slowly her eyes widened. “So it’s you...” Her gaze shot to Rebecca, then back to Luke. The color drained from her face.
    Rebecca surged from her chair. “Ruth? Are you all right? Shall I send for the doctor?”
    Luke made a half turn, as if to do just that.
    “No.” Ruth’s voice cracked. “No,” she repeated, holding up one hand. “I’m all right.”
    “Maybe I’d better go,” Luke said.
    “No, Marshall, stay,” Ruth countered, more firmly. She adjusted her position on the propped-up pillows behind her back. Rebecca helped her.
    “So it’s me what, ma’am?” Luke asked.
    “What? Oh, so, it’s you who helped me to my room,” Ruth answered quietly.
    “Yes,